To compare results of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using a locking compression plate and a periarticular locking plate in distal femur fractures.

We retrospectively reviewed 31 consecutive femoral fractures who treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis from April 2006 to May 2009. Sixteen patients were treated using a locking compression plate (group A) and 15 patients were treated using a periarticular locking plate (group B).

The mean operation time was 78 minutes and 76 minutes (p=0.273), and the mean radiation exposure time was 1.9 minutes and 2.3 minutes (p=0.001) in the group A and B, respectively. The plate bending during operation was performed in 4 cases of group A. The knee range of motion was 117.5° and 118.2° (p=0.825), and the Lysholm score was 81.3 and 81.8 (p=0.723) in the group A and B, respectively. Schazker criteria showed more than good grade in 93.8% of group A and in 93.3% of group B (p=1.0).

No significant differences in clinical results were observed between the two groups. However, a lower anatomical compliance was showed in the locking compression plate, and a higher risk of radiation exposure was showed in the periarticular locking plate.